The John Deere S690 Combine is a premium, high-performance combine harvester designed to deliver power, efficiency, and versatility for large-scale farming operations.

It features a powerful engine, advanced cleaning and threshing systems, and operator-friendly technology suited for a wide range of crops and terrains.

Overview

The John Deere S690 Combine is positioned as the flagship model of John Deere’s S Series combines, offering the highest horsepower engine and the largest grain tank capacity in the lineup.

It is built for tough harvesting conditions with robust design and advanced automation features that improve productivity and ease of operation.

Its HillMaster system allows efficient harvesting on slopes up to 22%, maintaining grain tank level and maximizing traction on uneven ground.

John deere s690 combine Specifications

  • Engine: John Deere 6-cylinder PowerTech PSS diesel turbocharged engine

  • Displacement: 13.5 liters (824 cubic inches)

  • Rated Power: 405 kW (543 hp) with power boost up to 460 kW (617 hp)

  • Speed: Rated speed 2100 rpm

  • Fuel Capacity: 1250 liters (330 gallons)

  • Grain Tank Capacity: 14,100 liters (~400 bushels)

  • Unloading Rate: Up to 3.8 bushels per second

  • Separator Type: Rotary with dual rotors

  • Rotor Diameter: 762 mm (30 inches)

  • Rotor Length: 3,124 mm (123 inches)

  • Cleaning Area: Approximately 8,680 square inches

  • Weight (without attachments): Approximately 19,221 kg (42,376 lbs)

  • Dimensions (Feederhouse width): 1,397 mm (55 inches) length 1,727 mm (68 inches)

John deere s690 combine Key Features

  • ProDrive™ Propulsion System: Automatically shifts between two speed ranges based on ground conditions, providing smooth operation on slopes and varied terrain.

  • CommandTouch™ Multi-Speed Feederhouse: Allows the operator to adjust the feederhouse speed on-the-go to match crop and ground speed conditions.

  • EvenMax Cleaning System: Offers a large, multi-leveled cleaning shoe area for superior capacity with reduced slope sensitivity for effective grain cleaning even on uneven fields.

  • Closed-Center Hydraulic System: Pressure-flow compensated pump adjusts oil pressure and flow dynamically, improving fuel efficiency and reducing noise.

  • High-Capacity Grain Tank: Large 400-bushel grain tank with folding, water-resistant covers designed for easy use in height-restricted areas.

  • Isochronous Engine Governor: Maintains consistent engine speed, optimizing fuel use without sacrificing power.

  • Advanced Automation: JDLink remote monitoring, automatic terrain adjustment for cleaning based on slope, and customizable settings for various crops.

Performance

The John Deere S690 Combines high engine power with efficient threshing and cleaning capabilities, enabling harvest in challenging conditions while maximizing throughput.

Its unloading speed and large grain tank reduce downtime. The rotary separator and dual rotor system ensure quality grain separation and minimal losses.

The machine’s weight and robust build provide excellent stability and traction during operations.

Jd s690 combine Engine Details

The PowerTech PSS engine (13.5L, 6-cylinder) is turbocharged and air-to-air aftercooled.

It delivers a rated power of 543 hp and can boost to over 600 hp during peak load conditions.

The engine’s design focuses on durability, fuel efficiency, and consistent operation across a wide range of working conditions.

It meets Tier 2/Stage II or Interim Tier 4 emission standards depending on model year/configuration.

John Deere S690 combine Price

Used and new John Deere S690 Combines vary significantly in price depending on year, hours, and condition.

Prices typically range from approximately $70,000 (older used models) to over $220,000 for newer or well-maintained used models.

Newer models with modern features can exceed $224,000. Pricing varies by region and dealer.

John Deere S690 combine Dimensions

  • Width (Feederhouse): 1,397 mm (55 in)

  • Length (Feederhouse): 1,727 mm (68 in)

  • Weight: Around 19,221 kg (42,376 lbs) without attachments

  • Grain Tank Capacity: 14,100 liters with foldable tank extensions for transport clearance.

Common Problems

Some reported issues with models in this series include:

  • Breakage of clean grain auger flighting and shaft components, early unit strength concerns have been addressed in later production years.

  • Rotor loss problems particularly in certain crop conditions.

  • Maintenance complexity related to advanced hydraulic and electronic systems.

  • Crop feed and cutting challenges such as cutterbar plugging, reel adjustment necessities, and shatter loss if speeds aren’t properly calibrated.

Conclusion

The John Deere S690 combine is a top-tier choice for large-scale agribusinesses needing reliable, high-capacity harvesters.

Its combination of powerful engine performance, innovative cleaning and threshing systems, advanced operator controls, and large grain tank capacity make it highly efficient in diverse crop conditions and terrains.

While some maintenance challenges exist typical of complex agricultural machines, the overall benefits in productivity and operational ease make the John Deere S690 Combine a premier machine in the combine harvester market.

This model exemplifies John Deere’s commitment to innovation, durability, and operator comfort, making it a valued investment for commercial farming operations aiming to maximize harvest efficiency and grain quality.

FAQ

Q1: What causes grain losses out the back of the combine?

A: Losses can result from underthreshing, overthreshing, or improper settings. Check for leaks in seals, pickup, feederhouse, and grain tank. Feed the combine evenly and adjust cylinder speed, concave spacing, and fan speed as recommended.

Q2: Why does the rotor sometimes lose grain during harvesting?

A: Rotor loss may happen if threshing settings aren’t properly matched to crop conditions. Adjust rotor speed and concave clearance, and ensure crop feed is consistent to reduce losses.

Q3: What problems occur with clean grain auger flighting?

A: Early S690 models had issues with flighting breakage due to heavy use; later production addressed this. Inspect augers regularly and replace worn parts promptly to avoid downtime.

Q4: How can I reduce combine plugging on green crops or weeds?

A: Retrashers can plug with green weeds. Adjust cylinder speed and concave clearance, and consider slowing ground speed to reduce plugging.

Q5: Are there electronic or hydraulic system problems to watch for?

A: Some operators report maintenance complexity with hydraulic and electronic systems; regular diagnostics and following John Deere maintenance schedules are recommended to avoid unexpected failures.

Q6: Why does fuel consumption seem high?

A: Fuel use correlates to production. Using the right header, properly maintaining the engine, and adjusting the ECM settings to optimize power can improve fuel efficiency.

Q7: How to measure and manage acceptable losses?

A: Use drop pans or loss monitors to measure losses. Aim for about 1% loss as a good target, balancing speed and productivity. Adjust only one setting at a time and monitor changes carefully.

This FAQ helps operators quickly troubleshoot and optimize their John Deere S690 combines for better harvest performance and longevity.